Democracy also lives in the streets
As the G7 in Évian approaches, demonstrations are being discussed mainly in terms of security, permits and logistics. But at stake is something more fundamental: the right to peaceful assembly.
In an opinion piece published in the Tribune de Genève, Nicoletta Zappile, Deputy Director of UPR Info, argues that democracy does not end at the ballot box: it also depends on the ability of people to gather, speak out and protest peacefully. Protecting peaceful assembly is a human rights obligation.
Through the Universal Periodic Review, States are regularly called upon to safeguard civic space, prevent the excessive use of force and protect those who exercise this freedom. These concerns were also reflected during the 52nd session of the UPR Working Group in Geneva, where the right to protest and questions related to public order were addressed in several reviews.
Read the full opinion piece published in the Tribune de Genève (only available in French).
